The Newly Separated Get Unexpected Gifts

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Wait until you’re divorced and you meet someone who makes you feel desired. OMG. You realize just how terrible it’s been. Mine, we had it once a week, then two, then once a month, finally it got to where I couldn’t even remember. The rejection was expected and wasn’t worth it anymore. My new lady friend loves having sex and I’m having a hard time keeping up with her! Wish I had met her a long time ago.

You might be wondering what the unexpected gifts are. Let me explain by starting off with a typical scenario. A couple has been unhappy for a long time. One or both might have tried to save the relationship by suggesting counseling, and maybe the couple goes and just doesn’t find it effective. So, they sort of just co-exist for awhile (sometimes years) not really knowing how to get out of the marriage or too afraid to get out. One person might cheat. There is very little communication, a walking-on-eggshells type of environment, no affection, and of course, no sex.

Maybe one of the people tries to bring romance and sex back into the relationship, but is always turned away, either because his or her spouse is having an affair, or there is just too much resentment present, which has turned into putting up a wall and not caring. The person who tries to bring back the sex and romance is left with low self-esteem, sadness and hopelessness caused by the rejection.

Then comes the divorce. Now the person who was rejected is feeling unattractive and unworthy of love.

Then something happens. One day (or night) the person meets someone who shows an interest in them. Suddenly it dawns on him or her that they aren’t undesirable, but in fact attractive, and that they still have a chance for romance and sex, and even love.

I cannot even count the number of divorced men and women I have talked to who have experienced this, myself included.

When I was first getting divorced, (it had been several months since my ex had moved out) I was at a party with a girlfriend, and her husband’s coworker came up to me and started talking to me.

We talked all night, and I mean it when I say that it never even occurred to me that he was hitting on me. My self-esteem was so far removed that him wanting to date me never even crossed my mind. He kissed me in my car that night and I swear, I was in disbelief. We ended up dating for a few months and are still good friends.

The point of my story is that this guy (the guy who made the comment at the top of this blog post) was so used to being turned down, that he couldn’t fathom a woman finding him attractive.

So, what are the unexpected gifts of divorce? The realization that you are still wanted and desired, and that you deserve love. Sometimes people who have been treated so badly receive these gifts and they are shocked. And delighted. Even if the relationship doesn’t work out long term, it doesn’t matter. It brings you back to life.

The unexpected gifts seem very sad to me–sad because you realize that at some point you let your ex-spouse make you feel incredibly bad about yourself. But at the same time, the unexpected gifts are inspiring because they show that when you get divorced, you don’t die. You live, and in many cases you live better! Sometimes you end up so much happier than you ever could have imagined, even if you never wanted your divorce.

Everyone deserves to be loved and cared for and that includes after divorce. If you are wondering, “Where are my unexpected gifts?” sometimes it takes awhile so be patient. I always hated when people would say, “It will happen when you least expect it,” but sure enough, that has been my experience in a few different relationships.

In closing, I will say that the unexpected gifts are only a couple of many many more unexpected gifts you get when you are newly separated. Other unexpected gifts include wisdom, self-love, inner-strength, self-confidence and lots of really, really funny things that you will look back at and laugh. Being newly separated is really hard, so take advantage of every unexpected gift you get!

6 Responses to “The Newly Separated Get Unexpected Gifts”

Abby

Jackie Pilossoph

What?? 4 years?? Why do you think? I hope my article didn’t make it seem like you sit around and wait and Mr. wonderful shows up. It takes effort to meet people, and meet the right people. It isn’t easy. I get it. I have had times in my life when i was in the worst dry spell and times I felt there were no good guys left. I would just suggest being open minded, networking to meet men–just like you would network for a job, and just have fun with it, appreciating people for who they are. I wish you all the best.

Abby

Thanks for your reply Jackie! Well it’s probably because I haven’t been single since my 20’s and now in my 40’s with 2 kids it is very daunting to try and find someone again. All of my friends are married and don’t even know any single men in my age group. To be honest online dating is too scary, and I don’t really enjoy going to bars or clubs. I know it sounds like a lot of excuses! I really am fine by myself it is just sad that this is not the life I was expecting to have.
Thanks for your column and support!

Jackie Pilossoph

I think it is great that you are fine being alone, but don’t settle for fine! Fine is good but life is very very short and you deserve to be thrilled (not just fine.) If you make just a little bit of an effort you might see a change. xoxo.

Becky

Hi Jackie

I just separated from my husband after a mere 2 years of marriage that was almost entirely void of intimacy… despite me openly yearning for it so badly. I’m 26 and he is 29, and we drifted apart rapidly. When he went out a lot more without letting me come with him and started an emotional bond with a girl online, I knew it was over. I always showed enthusiasm towards him and our physical relationship. He rejected it time and time again. I lost all confidence in myself and ironically gained weight as a result. Two days ago I walked away from it and now I’m nervous about the transition. This blog post has been just what I needed to see, so I’m incredibly grateful. I’m hoping to get into shape and learn to love myself again.

Jackie Pilossoph

I wish you all the best. You deserve it!! I hope you realize that you did everything you could, and whatever was going on with your ex, you could have looked like Nicole Kidman and it wouldn’t have mattered. I bet you are beautiful–inside and out! Just be healthy–meaning work out regularly and eat healthy, and your body will adjust. try not to think about it, but rather think about how you feel. xoxo!!!